Multi-function machine for combining and routing image data

ABSTRACT

A multi-function machine for combining and routing image data is disclosed. The multi-function machine includes a number of functional units, for instance, a digital copier which produces scanned image data, a printer which prints image data from a computer, and a facsimile device which receives and sends facsimile image data. Image data from one or a number of sources may be combined to form merged image data, corresponding to a merger of the individual images. The merged image data may then be conveyed to any of a number of user selectable destinations, including a printer, a host computer, or a facsimile device.

This application is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 08/670,016filed on Jun. 25, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,701,184 which was allowedApr. 29, 1997, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 08/377,480 filed Jan.24, 1995, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,638,186, which is a continuation-in-partof Ser. No. 07/811,463, filed Dec. 19, 1991, now issued as U.S. Pat. No.5,396,345.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a multi-function machine which iscapable of reproducing an electronic image into printed matter. Moreparticularly, this invention relates to a multi-function machine whichcombines two or more separate electronic images into a single imagewhich may be printed, stored, or faxed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Multi-function machines have been recently developed. These machinescommonly include the capability to print a digitally formatted documentwhich is downloaded from a host computer. As is known in the art, theprint function of the multi-function machine is realized by utilizing alaser and a polygon mirror to write information on a photoreceptor. Thephotoreceptor is subsequently placed in contact with a piece of paperwhich acquires the image written on the photoreceptor.

Prior art multi-function machines also commonly include the capabilityto digitally copy a document. As is known in the art, the digitalcopying aspect of these machines is realized through a Charge CoupledDevice (CCD) which acquires a digital data representation of an image.The digital image data is then conveyed to the printer portion of themachine which yields a printed document.

Prior art multi-function machines may also include a capability to sendand receive facsimile data. Received facsimile data is usually printedin accordance with the printer aspect of the multi-function machine. Adocument to be sent by facsimile is typically scanned and encoded by theCCD element of the multi-function machine.

Recently, a multi-function machine has been developed which has thecapability of combining one or more individual functions. For instance,image data from a computer may be combined with a scanned image toproduce a printed image. This device directly prints any merged imagedata. No capability is provided for routing the merged image data toother data processing devices.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a general object of the present invention to provide amulti-function machine capable of combining two separate images into asingle electronic image.

It is a related object of the present invention to provide amulti-function machine which combines different image data into acombined image data file which may be routed to memory or to an outputdevice such as a fax or a host computer.

These and other objects are achieved by a multi-function machine forcombining and routing image data. The multi-function machine includes anumber of functional units, for instance, a digital copier whichproduces scanned image data, a printer which prints data from acomputer, and a facsimile device which receives and sends facsimileimage data. Image data from one or a number of sources may be combinedto form merged image data, corresponding to a merger of the individualimages. The merged image data may then be conveyed to any of a number ofuser selectable destinations, including a printer, a host computer, or afacsimile device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the nature and objects of the invention,reference should be made to the following detailed description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a simplified depiction of a multi-function machine which maybe used in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a depiction of a control panel for a multi-function machinewhich may be used in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an electronic system board of amulti-function machine which may be used in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 is a simplified depiction of the merge process between computerimage data and scanned image data.

FIG. 5 is a simplified block depiction of the merge operation.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart depicting the merging operations of the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart depicting an alternate embodiment of the mergingoperations of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an example of a registered image selection menu that may beused in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an example of a registered image selection menu with anidentification number incrementation option.

FIG. 10 is an example of a printed document wherein the first set ofimage data is a page from the U.S. Constitution and the second set ofimage data is a pre-registered horizontal confidential statement.

FIG. 11 is an example of a printed document wherein the first set ofimage data is a page from the U.S. Constitution and the second set ofimage data is a pre-registered diagonal confidential statement.

FIG. 12 is an example of a printed document wherein the first set ofimage data is a page from the U.S. Constitution and the second set ofimage data is a pre-registered diagonal confidential statement whichincludes an identification number.

Like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout theseveral views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a multi-function machine 10 is depicted. Themachine 10 includes a housing 11. Within the housing 11 is a lightsource 12 for scanning images. The housing 11 also includes aphotoreceptor 14 for creating latent images for the printer, copier andfacsimile functions of the machine. A paper tray 16 and output bins 18are also provided for the output aspect of the machine 10. A documentfeed 20 and automatic document transport 22 may also be provided.

The machine 10 also includes a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) to realizescanning functions. In addition, the machine 10 also includes a laserelement 26 and a polygon mirror 28. The laser element 26 and polygonmirror 28 are utilized to write information on photoreceptor 14 andthereby achieve a printing function, as is known in the art. Thisprinting function may be used in accordance with telephone input 30 toprovide a facsimile capability to the machine 10. A telephone handset 32is also provided.

In sum, the machine 10 may include a copier, a scanner, a printer, and afacsimile apparatus. Selection of the individual functions may beachieved through a control panel 34. Preferably, the machine 10 alsoincludes an LCD 36 which provides status information. The machine 10also includes a host interface 38 which may be coupled to a hostcomputer. The host computer may be used to provide commands to themachine 10. Printing jobs may be conveyed from the host computer to themachine 10. In addition, scanned images may be conveyed through the hostinterface 38 to the host computer.

FIG. 2 depicts a control panel 34 which may be used with amulti-function machine in accordance with the present invention. As willbe more fully described, the control panel 34 preferably includes a"merge" button. The control panel 34 also preferably includes a numberof operations such as "copy", "print", and "fax". Status information isprovided on LCD 36.

Turning to FIG. 3, a block diagram of the primary electronic components40 of the machine 10 is provided. System bus 44 connects all the modulesof the system. CPU 42 services multiple tasks while monitoring the stateof the machine. DRAM 46 and EEPROM 48 are preferably provided. ROMmodule 50 includes initial values, default values, and firmware. Thefirmware may include printing instructions to handle popular printercommands such as PCL5 from Hewlett-Packard or PostScript from AdobeSystems. Interface controller 1 (52) is coupled to control panel 34.Interface controller 2 (54) is preferably coupled to a host computerthrough host interface 38.

Interface controller 3 (56) includes DRAM 58 and is coupled tofax/telephone processor 60. Preferably, the fax/telephone processor 60has a module which distinguishes the incoming information as eithervoice or fax data, and automatically switches the system to theappropriate mode by notifying the CPU 42. The fax/telephone processor 60is coupled to telephone handset 32 to handle voice information.Interface controller 3 (56) is preferably coupled to an answering unit62.

A direct memory access controller 64 is also provided. Printer interface66 is coupled to the printing elements (laser 26, polygon mirror 26, andphotoreceptor 14) to create the desired output image. Scanner interface68 interfaces with the CCD 24 so that scanned digital images can beobtained. System controller 70 is connected with scanner interface 68and printer interface 66 through bus 44 and bus 76, which allows theinput-output related functions such as copying. For copying, bus 75provides an interface between the scanner and printer which enables themovement of image data.

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) 77 is used to merge data from the scannerinterface 68 with data from other sources "on the fly", as the scan datais being sent to the printer interface 66. In addition, merge data fromthe scanner can be directed to DRAM 46, either for temporary storage orfor merging with other image data already stored in DRAM 46.

Storage interface 72 is coupled to external storage units 74, which maybe hard disks, optical disks, and/or floppy disks. The storage device 74may store sets of instructions to be used in accordance with theinvention. In the alternative, these instructions may be stored in ROM50.

The combination of image data is illustrated in reference to FIG. 4.Multi-function machine 10 is coupled to a host computer 80. Hostcomputer 80 includes a monitor 82 which depicts data in the form of theletter "A". On the platten of multi-function machine 10 is a document 84which includes a "circle". The document 84 is electronically scanned andthe resultant scanned image data is combined with the image data fromthe computer corresponding to the letter "A". The resultant merged imageis printed on paper 86. As is known in the art, host computer 80 mayconvey image data to the multi-function machine 10 or coded data whichmust be converted by the multi-function machine 10 (through knowntechniques such as coding "A" as Hex 41) to image data. As used herein,"image data" from the host computer refers to either class of data.

FIG. 5 is a simplified depiction of this merge process. In a sequentialfashion, each pixel (picture element) of image 1 (87) is combined withthe corresponding positional pixel in image 2 (88) by a logical operator90. For instance, starting with the pixel in the upper left corner ofimage 1 (87), this pixel is combined with the pixel in the upper leftcorner of image 2 (88). Subsequently, the remaining pixels in image 1(87) are combined with the corresponding positional pixels in image 2(88). Typically, the logical operator is an "OR" operation. That is, thelogical operator receives two pixels, one from each image, if either ofthe two pixels is dark, the output is dark, otherwise the output islight. If desired, the logical operator may also be an "AND", "OR","NOT", or a "XOR" operator. The logical operation is preferably userselectable through the operation panel 34 or through the host computer.

This merge function is known in the art. However, in the prior art, themerged image always results in a printed document. In accordance withthe present invention, the merged image data may be conveyed to any of anumber of user selectable output destinations.

The operation of a multi-function machine in accordance with the presentinvention is more fully described in relation to FIG. 6. The merge androute operation 100 of the present invention begins with a merge request(block 102). The merge request may be initiated from the "Merge" buttonon the operation panel 36 or from host computer 80. In either event, aprompt is provided to input the routing destination (block 104). Theprompt may be provided on LCD 36, or on the monitor 82 of host computer80. The routing destination is where the merged image data is sent. Forinstance, the merged image data may be sent to the printer for printing,to the host computer, to DRAM, to a storage device, or to the facsimile,as to be more fully described below.

The multi-function machine 10 then provides a prompt to read the firstinput (block 106). As before, the prompt may be provided on LCD 36, oron the monitor 82 of host computer 80. The first input may be image datafrom host computer 80, scanned image data, or stored facsimile imagedata.

The multi-function machine 10 then provides a prompt to read the secondinput (block 108). The prompt may be provided on LCD 36, or on themonitor 132 of host computer 80. The second input may be any of a numberof classes of image data, as was the case with the first input.

Subsequently, the merge operation transpires (block 110). The nature ofthe merge operation has been described in relation to FIGS. 4 and 5, andwill be more fully described below.

Finally, the merged data is transmitted to the user selectabledestination (block 112). The destination was previously determined atblock 104. Thus, the merged image data is routed to any of a number oflocations including the printer, the host computer, DRAM, an optionaldisk, or the facsimile output.

The particular execution of these instructions on the multi-functionmachine 10 is more fully appreciated with reference to FIG. 3. The mergerequest is received by CPU 42 via bus 44 through either interfacecontroller 1 (52), in the case of a request from the control panel 34,or through interface controller 2 (54), in the case of a request fromthe host computer 80.

The merge and route routine 100 of FIG. 6 is stored by storage device74. In the alternative, merge and route routine 100 may be stored in ROM50, DRAM 46, or EEPROM 48. Regardless of where the merge and routeroutine 100 is stored, CPU 42 executes the appropriate instructionscorresponding to the routine. Thus, the merge request block 102 of FIG.6 invokes the merge and route routine 100.

The instructions of the routine provide a prompt for the destination ofthe merged data. This prompt is sent by bus 44 through interfacecontroller 1 (52) or through interface controller 2, depending uponwhere the merge request originated from. In the case of an instructionrouted through interface controller 1, a prompt is provided on LCD 36.For instance, a suitable prompt would be "Enter Merged DataDestination". The data destination would then be entered through the useof one of the control panel 34 keys, for instance, the "print" key, orby using the cursor control keys 35 on the control panel 34.

An analogous procedure is undertaken in the case of an instructionrouted through interface controller 2. In this instance, the prompt isprovided on computer monitor 82 of host computer 80. The datadestination would then be entered through the keyboard or mouseassociated with the host computer. In either embodiment, the destinationis read and stored in one of the memory devices (DRAM 46 or storagedevice 74).

Subsequently, prompts are provided in an analogous manner for the firstinput and the second input. The first and second inputs are read andstored in one of the memory devices.

Afterwards, the merge instruction is executed. The merge instruction maybe executed in any of a number of manners. For instance, the first inputmay be fax image data which is stored in DRAM 58. The second input maybe image data from host computer 80. CPU 42 will consider each pixelfrom the respective inputs and perform the required logical operation.The merged image data output from the logical operation may be conveyedto DRAM 46 or storage device 74 until the merge operation is completed.Thereafter, the CPU 42 uses the stored user-selected destination tocreate a route command. Thus, if the merged image data of the presentexample is to be routed to the facsimile output, then the CPU 42 wouldprovide instructions to move the stored image data over bus 44 throughinterface controller 56 into fax processor 60.

Merging may also be performed without subsequent storing of the mergedimage data. For instance, if image data from a host computer is to bemerged with scanned imaged data, the merged image data may be directlyrouted to the printer, without storing. An Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)77 may be provided to receive image data from bus 44. The image datafrom bus 44 may be received from host computer 80 through interfacecontroller 54. The ALU provides a logical operation with data receivedfrom the scanner interface 68. The output from the ALU is then feddirectly to the printer interface 66 for subsequent printing. The ALUand printer interface 66 may also be used to route the merged image dataonto bus 44 for conveyance to another output device, such as hostcomputer 80.

Similarly, the CPU 42 can merge image data in the DRAM 46 from a firstsource with image data from a second source (e.g., the scanner 68) andsend that merged data directly to a specified destination (such as ahost computer via interface 54) without storing the merged image in DRAM46.

FIG. 7 depicts an alternate embodiment of the present invention. Insteadof relying upon a default logical operator, such as the "OR" function,in accordance with this embodiment, a logical operator is selected.After the merge request (block 102), a prompt may be provided (block103) on LCD 36 or on monitor 82 of host computer 80 to input a logicaloperation, such as "AND", "OR", "NOT" or "XOR". Thereafter, all stepswould be performed in accordance with the previously disclosedembodiment.

One of the images to be merged during a merge operation in accordancewith the invention may be a "registered" image. FIG. 2 illustrates a"registered" key to select a registered image. When the registered keyis pressed, the LCD 36 displays a registered image selection menu. Byway of example, FIG. 8 illustrates a set of available registered imageson a registered image selection menu. A registered image may be selectedusing a corresponding number from the number pad on the control panel34.

The first available registered image is a "Confidential" statement thatis positioned horizontally, as indicated by the (H), on the mergeddocument. The second available registered image is a "Confidential"statement that is positioned diagonally, as indicated by the (D), on themerged document. A registered date stamp (option 3) and a combination ofa date stamp and time stamp (option 4) are also available. The first andsecond registered image options may be stored in EEPROM 48. The date andtime stamp may be formed by relying upon the system clock that is usedby the CPU 42. The date and time stamp is preferably positioned at thetop or bottom of the document.

A fifth option that is preferably available is an identification number.When the identification number option is selected, the LCD display 36 ischanged to provide a menu as shown in FIG. 9. Preferably, there is aprompt to enter an identification number. The identification number maybe entered by using the number pad on the control panel 34. The enterednumber is then stored in DRAM 46 and merged with a second image. Theidentification number, say on a printed document, is used to ascribe thedocument to an individual assigned to the identification number.

Preferably, an option is provided to increment the identificationnumber, as illustrated in FIG. 9. When this option is selected, thefirst merged document has the entered identification number, the nextmerged document has the entered identification number incremented byone, etc. The incrementation operation may be executed by the CPU 42.This option is useful, for instance, when the second document to bemerged is a single document that needs to be copied several times. Theincrementation of the identification number allows one to keep track ofthe different copies made.

The identification number feature of the invention may be combined withother registered images. For example, the identification number may becombined with a horizontal confidential statement (option 6), or theidentification number may be combined with a diagonal confidentialstatement (option 7).

As indicated above, selection of a registered image is analogous to theselection of any other image to be merged. For example, returning toFIG. 6, a, merge request is made (block 102) and then the mergedestination is selected (block 104). By way of example, the first inputread (block 106) may be a copy, and the second input read (block 108)may be a registered image, as selected from the registered imageselection menu of FIG. 8. Thereafter, the merge operation is executed(block 110) and the merged document is transmitted (block 112).

FIG. 10 is an example of a printed document which has a pre-registeredconfidential statement merged therein. In particular, FIG. 10illustrates one page from the U.S. Constitution, which may be viewed asa first set of electronic image data, for instance obtained from thecopier of the multi-function machine 10. FIG. 10 also includes apre-registered horizontally-oriented confidential statement("Confidential Don't Make Copy"), which may be viewed as a second set ofelectronic image data, selected as item 1 in FIG. 8. FIG. 11 is similarto FIG. 10, but the confidential statement is oriented diagonally. Thisoption is available as item 2 in FIG. 8. FIG. 12 is similar to FIG. 11,but further includes an identification number ("19"). The identificationnumber may be selected as item 5 in FIG. 8, and may then be keyed in, asshown in FIG. 9.

FIGS. 10-12 show the merged image data as being directly printed.However, as previously indicated, the merged image data may also berouted to any of a number of user selectable destinations. Thus, themulti-function machine of the present invention provides a flexiblemerge and route operation.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the presentinvention have been presented for purposes of illustration anddescription. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously manymodifications and variations are possible in light of the aboveteaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to bestexplain the principles of the invention and its practical application,to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize theinvention and various embodiments with various modifications as aresuited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scopeof the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto and theirequivalents.

In the claims:
 1. An image processing device, comprising:a housing; acharge coupled device (CCD), disposed within said housing, whichcaptures an image; a memory, disposed within said housing, which storesa plurality of registered background images; an input device, located onthe housing, configured to select one of the plurality of registeredbackground images which is unassociated with the captured image; aprocessor, disposed within said housing, configured to merge the imagewhich has been captured and said one of the plurality of registeredbackground images which has been selected into a merged image; and aprinter, disposed within said housing, configured to print the mergedimage, wherein the processor is configured to merge the image which hasbeen captured and said one of the plurality of registered backgroundimages which has been selected into the merged image on a pixel by pixelbasis by performing a logical operation on pixels of the image which hasbeen captured and corresponding, pixels of said one of the plurality ofregistered background images.
 2. An image processing device according toclaim 1, further comprising:a plurality of destination devices includingthe printer; and a selection device, located on the housing, configuredto select a destination of the merged image data from the plurality ofdestination devices.
 3. An image processing device according to claim 2,wherein the plurality of destination devices further includes:a memorywithin the housing.
 4. An image processing device according to claim 2,wherein the plurality of destination devices further includes:a computerwhich is external to the housing and connected to the selection device.5. An image processing device according to claim 1, wherein: the logicaloperation is a logical OR operation.
 6. A device according to claim 1,further comprising:a display, disposed on the housing configured todisplay the plurality of registered background images which areavailable for selection.
 7. A device according to claim 1, wherein saidmemory which stores a plurality of registered background imagescomprises:a read only memory.
 8. A device according to claim 7, whereinsaid read only memory comprises:an Electrically Erasable ProgrammableRead Only Memory (EEPROM).
 9. A device according to claim 1,wherein:said charge coupled device captures said captured image aftersaid input device selects said one of the registered background images;and said processor merges said captured image and said one of theregistered background images after said one of the registered backgroundimages has been selected and said charge coupled device captures saidcaptured image.
 10. A device according to claim 1, wherein:said printerprints said one of the plurality of registered background images aplurality of times.
 11. A device according to claim 1, wherein:saidmemory stores a plurality of registered background images which aredifferent types of images.
 12. An image processing device according toclaim 1, wherein:said image processing device is a multi-functionmachine.
 13. An image processing device according to claim 1,wherein:said image processing device is at least one of a copier, ascanner, and a facsimile machine.
 14. An image processing device,comprising:a housing means for housing components of the imageprocessing device; means, disposed within the housing means, forcapturing an image; a means, disposed within the housing means, forstoring a plurality of registered background images; means, located onthe housing means, for inputting a selection of one of the plurality ofregistered background images which is unassociated with the capturedimage; means, disposed within the housing means, for merging the imagewhich has been captured and said one of the plurality of registeredbackground images which has been selected into a merged image; andmeans, disposed within the housing means, for printing the merged image,wherein the means for merging includes means for merging the image whichhas been captured and said one of the plurality of registered backgroundimages which has been selected into the merged image on a pixel by pixelbasis by performing a logical operation on pixels of the image which hasbeen captured and corresponding pixels of said one of the plurality ofregistered background images.
 15. An image processing device accordingto claim 14, further comprising:a plurality of destination meansincluding the printer; and means, disposed on an exterior of the housingmeans, for selecting a destination of the merged image data from theplurality of destination means.
 16. An image processing device accordingto claim 15, wherein the plurality of destination means furtherincludes:a means, disposed within the housing means, for storing withinthe image processing device.
 17. An image processing device according toclaim 15, wherein the plurality of destination means further includes:acomputer means, which is external to the housing means, connected to theselection means.
 18. An image processing device according to claim 14,wherein:the logical operation is a logical OR operation.
 19. A deviceaccording to claim 14, further comprising:a display means, disposed onthe housing means, configured to display the plurality of registeredbackground images which are available for selection.
 20. A deviceaccording to claim 14, wherein said means for storing a plurality ofregistered background images comprises:a read only memory.
 21. A deviceaccording to claim 20, wherein said read only memory comprises:anElectrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM).
 22. Adevice according to claim 14, wherein:said means for capturing capturessaid captured image after said means for inputting selects said one ofthe registered background images; and said means for merging merges saidcaptured image and said one of the registered background images aftersaid one of the registered background images has been selected and saidmeans for capturing captures said captured image.
 23. A device accordingto claim 14, wherein:said means for printing said one of the pluralityof registered background images prints said one of the registeredbackground images a plurality of times.
 24. A device according to claim14, wherein:said means for storing stores the plurality of registeredbackground images which are different types of images.
 25. An imageprocessing device according to claim 14, wherein:said image processingdevice is a multi-function machine.
 26. An image processing deviceaccording to claim 14, wherein:said image processing device is at leastone of a copier, a scanner, and a facsimile machine.
 27. An imageprocessing method, comprising the steps of:capturing an image utilizinga device which is disposed within a housing of an image processingdevice; storing a plurality of registered background images in a memorywhich is disposed within the housing; inputting, using a device locatedon the housing, a selection of one of the plurality of registeredbackground images which is unassociated with the captured image;merging, using a device disposed within the housing, the image which hasbeen captured and said one of the plurality of registered backgroundimages which has been selected into a merged image; and printing, usinga printing device disposed within the housing, the merged image, whereinthe step of merging includes merging the image which has been capturedand said one of the plurality of registered background images which hasbeen selected into the merged image on a pixel by pixel basis byperforming a logical operation on pixels of the image which has beencaptured and corresponding pixels of said one of the plurality ofregistered background images.
 28. A method according to claim 27,further comprising the step of:selecting, using a selecting devicelocated on the housing, a destination of the merged image data from aplurality of destinations.
 29. A method according to claim 28, whereinthe step of selecting a destination comprises:selecting a destinationfrom the plurality of destinations which includes a destination whichstores within a device performing said steps of said method.
 30. Amethod according to claim 28, wherein the step of selecting adestination comprises:selecting a destination from the plurality ofdestinations which includes a computer which is external to the housing.31. An image processing device according to claim 27, wherein: thelogical operation is a logical OR operation.
 32. An image processingmethod according to claim 27, wherein:said image processing method isperformed using a multi-function machine.
 33. An image processing methodaccording to claim 27, wherein:said image processing method is performedusing at least one of a copier, a scanner, and a facsimile machine. 34.An image processing device, comprising:a housing; a charge coupleddevice (CCD), disposed within the housing, which captures an image; amemory, disposed within the housing, which stores a plurality ofregistered background images; an input device, located on the housing,configured to select any of the plurality of registered backgroundimages to become associated with the captured image; a processor,disposed within the housing, configured to merge the image which hasbeen captured and said one of the plurality of registered backgroundimages which has been selected into a merged image, and a printer,disposed within the housing, configured to print the merged image,wherein the processor configured to merge comprises a processor which isconfigured to merge the image which has been captured and said one ofthe plurality of registered background images which has been selectedinto the merged image on a pixel by pixel basis by performing a logicaloperation on pixels of the image which has been captured andcorresponding pixels of said one of the plurality of registeredbackground images.
 35. A device according to claim 34, furthercomprising:a device, located on the housing, configured to select adestination of the merged image data from a plurality of destinations.36. A device according to claim 35, wherein the device configured toselect the destination comprises:a device configured to select adestination from the plurality of destinations which includes a storagedestination within said image processing device.
 37. A device accordingto claim 35, wherein the device configured to select the destinationcomprises:a device configured to select the destination from theplurality of destinations which includes a computer which is external tothe housing.
 38. An image processing device according to claim 34,wherein:the processor which is configured to merge performs said logicaloperation which is a logical OR operation.
 39. An image processingdevice according to claim 34, wherein:said image processing device is amulti-function machine.
 40. An image processing device according toclaim 34, wherein:said image processing device is at least one of acopier, a scanner, and a facsimile machine.
 41. An image processingdevice comprising:a housing means for housing components of the imageprocessing device; means, disposed within the housing means, forcapturing an image; means, disposed within the housing means, forstoring a plurality of registered background images; input means,located on the housing means, for selecting any of the plurality ofregistered background images to become associated with the capturedimage; means, disposed within the housing means, for merging the imagewhich has been captured and said one of the plurality of registeredbackground images which has been selected into a merged image; andmeans, disposed within the housing means, for printing the merged image,wherein the means for merging comprises means for merging the imagewhich has been captured and said one of the plurality of registeredbackground images which has been selected into the merged image on apixel by pixel basis by performing a logical operation on pixels of theimage which has been captured and corresponding pixels of said one ofthe plurality of registered background images.
 42. A device according toclaim 41, further comprising:means, located on the housing means, forselecting a destination of the merged image data from a plurality ofdestinations.
 43. A device according to claim 42, wherein the means forselecting the destination comprises:means, located on the housing means,for selecting a destination from the plurality of destinations whichincludes a storage destination within said image processing device. 44.A device according to claim 42, wherein the means for selecting thedestination comprises:means for selecting the destination from theplurality of destinations which includes a computer which is external tothe housing.
 45. A device according to claim 41, wherein:the means formerging performs said logical operation which is a logical OR operation.46. An image processing device according to claim 41, wherein:said imageprocessing device is a multi-function machine.
 47. An image processingdevice according to claim 41, wherein:said image processing device is atleast one of a copier, a scanner, and a facsimile machine.
 48. An imageprocessing method, comprising the steps of:capturing an image using animage capturing device disposed within a housing; storing in a memorydisposed within the hosing a plurality of registered background images;selecting using a selecting device located on the housing any of theplurality of registered background images to become associated with thecaptured image; merging using a merging device disposed within thehousing the image which has been captured and said one of the pluralityof registered background images which has been selected into a mergedimage; and printing using a printing device disposed within the housingthe merged image, wherein the step of merging comprises merging theimage which has been captured and said one of the plurality ofregistered background images which has been selected into the mergedimage on a pixel by pixel basis by performing a logical operation onpixels of the image which has been captured and corresponding pixels ofsaid one of the plurality of registered background images.
 49. A methodaccording to claim 48, further comprising the step of:selecting using aselecting device located on the housing a destination of the mergedimage data from a plurality of destinations.
 50. A method according toclaim 49, wherein the step of selecting the destinationcomprises:selecting a destination from the plurality of destinationswhich includes a storage destination within a device performing saidsteps of said method.
 51. A method according to claim 49, wherein thestep of selecting the destination comprises:selecting the destinationfrom the plurality of destinations which includes a computer which isexternal to the housing.
 52. A method according to claim 48, wherein:thestep of merging performs said logical operation which is a logical ORoperation.
 53. An image processing method according to claim 48,wherein:said image processing method is performed using a multi-functionmachine.
 54. An image processing method according to claim 48,wherein:said image processing method is performed using at least one ofa copier, a scanner, and a facsimile machine.